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SUNNY Temp: 65 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Friday, June 28, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Cyberchef E The People Golf Job Network Headbone Zone Wellness Connection Movie Times Newspaper in Education Oregon CarZone Outdoor Journal Personals Prime Times Real Estate Tempo A & E TV Times W3 Magazine CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Destinations Automotive Communities Employment Entertainment Publications Real Estate Recreation Shopping Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Jobs @ Mail Tribune Email Story to a Friend June 11, 2002 PUC to hear case on changing service for 582 prefix By SANNE SPECHT for the Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER — The state Public Utilities Commission has granted a hearing on whether to make the corridor from Rogue River to Medford a local calling area. The hearing will begin at 7 p.m. June 20 at Rogue River Middle School, 301 Pine St. It is the first step toward turning the corridor into an extended service area in which calls between Rogue River and Medford — including Gold Hill and Central Point — would no longer carry long-distance charges. The hearing was granted after local resident Shayne Maxwell gathered three times the number of signatures needed to get the PUC’s attention. Maxwell turned in 3,800 signatures out of 5,050 phone accounts in Rogue River. Only 1,263 signatures were required. "To date, they have verified approximately 2,700 signatures, and I just sent them 30 more pages," Maxwell said. During the hearing, PUC judge Michael Grant must determine that "a community of interest" exists. Customers with a 582 prefix must demonstrate a necessity to communicate with the neighboring cities. "We intend to show our necessity in a report that covers everything from geography to medical needs," said Maxwell. "We’ll have speakers from the schools, businesses and local government." "Toll avoidance" also must be demonstrated to help convince the PUC of the need for an EAS, Maxwell said. She said cell phones, discount calling cards and 800 numbers are some devices local residents have used to keep their local-long distance calling charges under control. Maxwell has pasted the town with fliers, appeared on local radio shows and entreated community organizations in order to drum up strong attendance at the June 20 meeting. "I am overwhelmed by the support for this issue. Our community has really pulled together to make this happen," she said. "But the emphasis on community attendance at this meeting cannot be overstated. "They’ve got to attend the meeting, and they should bring their phone bills!" Speaking before the Rogue River School Board recently, Maxwell cited the $4,617.18 in local long-distance charges the district paid this year. She requested and was granted district sponsorship for the event. Fliers are being sent home with every student in an effort to boost attendance. School Board Chairman Dick Handbury said he fully supports Maxwell’s efforts. "I think it would be a good thing for the community in general and also for the school district," said Handbury. PUC Judge Grant and Oregon EAS Manager Marlene Gorsuch will arrive at the meeting site two hours early to answer community members’ questions and educate the public about the PUC and its role in telephone service and rate setting. For further information, contact Maxwell at (541) 582-2020. Sanne Specht is a free-lance writer living in Rogue River. Reach her at [email protected] . Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy web master feedback A D V E R T I S E R S